Indian parliamentary delegations that held extensive discussions with senior functionaries of Saudi Arabia and South Africa have received full support for India's position that the war against terror should not be selective.
The delegation to Saudi Arabia was led by Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Najma Heptulla and held wide-ranging talks with members of the Saudi Shoura (Parliament) and briefed them about the India-Pakistan situation. Dr Heptulla, who is carrying a letter for crown prince Abdullah from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said that Pakistan had a tradition of supporting religion-based extremist activity against India.
She said the government resolved that it would not tolerate militant acts in the aftermath of Black Thursday's assault on Parliament. The Shoura condemned acts of insurgency in the name of religion.
In Pretoria, the other delegation -- led by Sharif-Udin-Sharaiq -- briefed South African deputy foreign minister Aziz Pahad of the security and political situation in the region. The delegation's focus was on the global perils due to terrorism. The members said that sufficient evidence had been provided to Pakistan of its involvement in carrying out acts of extremism in India.
Mr Pahad said South Africa supported India's convention on militancy. His country favours that action against terrorism should be carried out under the legitimate umbrella of the United Nations. Bureau Report